easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
PCNSA Practice Question: A network administrator is configuring a Palo…
A network administrator is configuring a Palo Alto Networks firewall in a datacenter. Which TWO traffic types can be inspected by the firewall's Threat Prevention subscription? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates assume all application-layer traffic (like FTP, VoIP, or database) is equally inspected by Threat Prevention, but Palo Alto Networks separates inspection responsibilities: Threat Prevention is specifically designed for web and email traffic, while other traffic types are handled by separate profiles like Application Security or Data Filtering.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Web traffic (HTTP/HTTPS)
The Threat Prevention subscription on Palo Alto Networks firewalls is designed to inspect web traffic (HTTP/HTTPS) using signatures for exploits, malware, command-and-control, and phishing, and email traffic (SMTP, POP3, IMAP) for malicious attachments, links, and spam. It does not include inspection for FTP, VoIP (SIP, H.323), or database protocols (SQL, Oracle) by default; those traffic types require other security profiles such as Application Security, Data Filtering, or specific decryption policies. Therefore, the correct answers are B and D.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
FTP traffic (File Transfer Protocol)
Why it's wrong here
FTP traffic is not inspected by the Threat Prevention subscription by default; it requires other security profiles.
- ✓
Web traffic (HTTP/HTTPS)
Why this is correct
Web traffic (HTTP/HTTPS) is inspected by Threat Prevention for exploits, malware, and command-and-control.
- ✗
VoIP traffic (SIP, H.323)
Why it's wrong here
VoIP traffic (SIP, H.323) is not inspected by the Threat Prevention subscription; it requires application-specific profiles.
- ✓
Email traffic (SMTP, POP3, IMAP)
Why this is correct
Email traffic (SMTP, POP3, IMAP) is inspected by Threat Prevention for malicious attachments and links.
- ✗
Database traffic (SQL, Oracle)
Why it's wrong here
Database traffic (SQL, Oracle) is not inspected by the Threat Prevention subscription; it requires other security profiles.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCNSA practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCNSA exam.